BRUSSELS/BEIJING (dpa-AFX) - In the dispute over halted chip deliveries from Nexperia, a key supplier to the automotive industry, there have been encouraging developments, according to EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic. Sefcovic announced that on Saturday, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce confirmed to the European Commission that export procedures for Nexperia chips will be further simplified.
Exporters will now be granted exemptions from license requirements, provided they declare that the goods are intended for civilian use. "This measure takes effect immediately," Sefcovic added.
The chip conflict stems from the Dutch government's decision on September 30 to place Nexperia under state control due to concerns over its Chinese parent company, Wingtech. Shortly after, Beijing imposed export restrictions on certain Nexperia chips, impacting European car manufacturers as well.
Chip Crisis Also Engages Chancellor Merz
Nexperia primarily produces standard chips used in large quantities in the automotive industry and electronic devices. Beijing had recently announced that, under certain conditions, exceptions for Nexperia exports would be granted after the Netherlands signaled willingness to compromise in the dispute. The first companies have already reported receiving approvals.
Sefcovic stated that the European Commission will remain in close contact with Chinese and Dutch authorities to establish a permanent, stable, and predictable framework to ensure the full restoration of semiconductor flows. "Such stability and predictability are crucial for Europe's industrial base and strengthen its global competitiveness," he said.
Prior to Sefcovic's announcement, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed optimism. "It now seems the path is open for the resumption of deliveries," he said on the sidelines of a climate summit in Belém, Brazil. He had previously discussed the matter again with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof.
Beijing Demands Dutch Concessions
Earlier, China had called for more concrete concessions from the government in The Hague. The Netherlands had not yet taken any visible steps to prevent the violation of Chinese companies' rights and interests or to restore the stability of global supply chains, according to a statement from China's Ministry of Commerce.
The ministry was responding to an online post by Dutch Acting Minister for Economic Affairs Vincent Karremans from November 6. On X, Karremans wrote that, in light of constructive talks with Chinese authorities, the Netherlands was confident that chip shipments from China to Europe and the rest of the world would reach Nexperia's customers in the coming days.
China's Ministry of Commerce demanded that the Netherlands' assurances be followed by concrete plans as soon as possible, rather than remaining mere words. The Hague should also stop interfering in corporate matters through administrative means. Beijing has agreed to the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs' request to send representatives to China for consultations, the statement said.
